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Matthew 13:21

yet he has no [substantial] root in himself, but is only temporary, and when pressure or persecution comes because of the word, immediately he stumbles and falls away [abandoning the One who is the source of salvation].

Bible Study Resources

Concordances:

- Nave's Topical Bible - Agriculture;   Apostasy;   Character;   Converts;   Faith;   Hearers;   Instability;   Jesus, the Christ;   Jesus Continued;   Sermon;   Word of God;   Scofield Reference Index - Kingdom;   Parables;   Thompson Chain Reference - Fleeting Impressions;   Impressions, Fleeting;   The Topic Concordance - Bearing Fruit;   Disobedience;   Word of God;   Torrey's Topical Textbook - Offence;   Parables;   Persecution;  

Dictionaries:

- Bridgeway Bible Dictionary - Kingdom of god;   Parables;   Persecution;   Charles Buck Theological Dictionary - Church;   Hutchinsonians;   Perseverance;   Easton Bible Dictionary - By and by;   Tribulation;   Holman Bible Dictionary - Agriculture;   Matthew, the Gospel of;   Root;   Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible - Church;   Logos;   Mss;   Parable;   Text of the New Testament;   Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament - Affliction (2);   Allegory;   Authority of Christ;   Discourse;   Doctrines;   Ear (2);   Elect, Election ;   Hindrance;   Mission;   Offence (2);   Parable;   Persecution;   Persecution (2);   Progress;   Religious Experience;   Reproach (2);   Root ;   Sun;   Tribulation (2);   Morrish Bible Dictionary - By-And-By;   Sower, Sowing;   People's Dictionary of the Bible - Chief parables and miracles in the bible;   Jesus christ;   Kingdom of christ of heaven;   Kingdom of god;   Kingdom of heaven;   Obsolete or obscure words in the english av bible;   Wilson's Dictionary of Bible Types - Root;  

Encyclopedias:

- International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - By and by;   Christ, Offices of;   Dure;   Persecution;   Tribulation;   The Jewish Encyclopedia - New Testament;  

Devotionals:

- Every Day Light - Devotion for May 27;  

Parallel Translations

Christian Standard Bible®
But he has no root and is short-lived. When distress or persecution
King James Version (1611)
Yet hath hee not root in himselfe, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
King James Version
Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
English Standard Version
yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.
New American Standard Bible
yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution occurs because of the word, immediately he falls away.
New Century Version
But he does not let the teaching go deep into his life, so he keeps it only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the teaching he accepted, he quickly gives up.
Geneva Bible (1587)
Yet hath he no roote in himselfe, and dureth but a season: for assoone as tribulation or persecution commeth because of the woorde, by and by he is offended.
New American Standard Bible (1995)
yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away.
Legacy Standard Bible
yet he has no root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away.
Berean Standard Bible
But since he has no root, he remains for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.
Contemporary English Version
But they don't have deep roots, and they don't last very long. As soon as life gets hard or the message gets them in trouble, they give up.
Complete Jewish Bible
but has no root in himself. So he stays on for a while; but as soon as some trouble or persecution arises on account of the message, he immediately falls away.
Darby Translation
but has no root in himself, but is for a time only; and when tribulation or persecution happens on account of the word, he is immediately offended.
Easy-to-Read Version
But they do not let the teaching go deep into their lives. They keep it only a short time. As soon as trouble or persecution comes because of the teaching they accepted, they give up.
George Lamsa Translation
But it has no root in him, except for a while; and when trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he immediately stumbles.
Good News Translation
But it does not sink deep into them, and they don't last long. So when trouble or persecution comes because of the message, they give up at once.
Lexham English Bible
But he does not have a root in himself, but lasts only a little while, and when affliction or persecution happens because of the word, immediately he falls away.
Literal Translation
but has no root in himself, but is temporary, and tribulation, or persecution occurring because of the Word, he is at once offended.
American Standard Version
yet hath he not root in himself, but endureth for a while; and when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway he stumbleth.
Bible in Basic English
But having no root in himself, he goes on for a time; and when trouble comes or pain, because of the word, he quickly becomes full of doubts.
Hebrew Names Version
yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.
International Standard Version
but since he doesn't have any root in himself, he lasts for only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes along because of the word, he immediately falls away.Matthew 11:6; 2 Timothy 1:15;">[xr]
Etheridge Translation
Yet hath he no root in him, but is (only) for a time; and when affliction or persecution occurs on account of the doctrine, he is quickly offended.
Murdock Translation
Yet hath he no root in him, but is of short duration, and when there is trouble or persecution on account of the word, he soon stumbleth.
Bishop's Bible (1568)
Yet hath he not roote in hym selfe, but dureth for a season: for when tribulation or persecution aryseth because of the worde, by and by he is offended.
English Revised Version
yet hath he not root in himself, but endureth for a while; and when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway he stumbleth.
World English Bible
yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.
Wesley's New Testament (1755)
Yet hath he not root in himself, and so endureth but for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straight-way he is offended.
Weymouth's New Testament
It has struck no root, however, within him. He continues for a time, but when suffering comes, or persecution, because of the Message, he at once stumbles and falls.
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
And he hath not roote in hym silf, but is temporal. For whanne tribulacioun and persecucioun is maad for the word, anoon he is sclaundrid.
Update Bible Version
yet he does not have root in himself, but endures for awhile; and when tribulation or persecution rises because of the word, right away he stumbles.
Webster's Bible Translation
Yet he hath not root in himself, but endureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, forthwith he is offended.
New English Translation
But he has no root in himself and does not endure; when trouble or persecution comes because of the word, immediately he falls away.
New King James Version
yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.
New Living Translation
But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word.
New Life Bible
Its root is not deep and it does not last long. When troubles and suffering come because of the Word, he gives up and falls away.
New Revised Standard
yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away.
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
yet hath he no root in himself, but is, only for a season, - and, there arising, tribulation or persecution because of the word, straightway, he findeth cause of stumbling.
Douay-Rheims Bible
Yet hath he not root in himself, but is only for a time: and when there ariseth tribulation and persecution because of the word, he is presently scandalized.
Revised Standard Version
yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.
Tyndale New Testament (1525)
yet hath he no rottes in him selfe and therfore dureth but a season: for assone as tribulacion or persecucion aryseth because of the worde by and by he falleth.
Young's Literal Translation
and he hath not root in himself, but is temporary, and persecution or tribulation having happened because of the word, immediately he is stumbled.
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
neuertheles he hath no rote i him, but endureth for a season: wha trouble & persecucion aryseth because of the worde, immediatly he his offended.
Mace New Testament (1729)
but having no root in him he has only an occasional faith: for as soon as any oppression or persecution arises upon account of the gospel, he presently relapses.
Simplified Cowboy Version
But the first time it gets a little hot around the collar, they wilt.

Contextual Overview

1That same day Jesus went out of the house and was sitting beside the sea [of Galilee]. 2But such large crowds gathered around Him that He got into a boat and sat there [positioning Himself as a teacher], while the whole crowd stood on the shore. 3He told them many things in parables, saying, "Listen carefully: a sower went out to sow [seed in his field]; 4and as he sowed, some seed fell beside the road [between the fields], and the birds came and ate it. 5"Other seed fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil; and at once they sprang up because they had no depth of soil. 6"But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. 7"Other seed fell among thorns, and thorns came up and choked them out. 8"Other seed fell on good soil and yielded grain, some a hundred times as much [as was sown], some sixty [times as much], and some thirty. 9"He who has ears [to hear], let him hear and heed My words." 10Then the disciples came to Him and asked, "Why do You speak to the crowds in parables?"

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

root: Matthew 13:6, Matthew 7:22, Matthew 7:23, Matthew 7:26, Matthew 7:27, Job 19:28, Proverbs 12:3, Proverbs 12:12, Luke 8:13, John 6:26, John 6:61-65, John 6:70, John 6:71, John 15:5-7, Acts 8:21-23, Galatians 5:6, Galatians 6:15, Ephesians 3:17, 2 Peter 1:8, 2 Peter 1:9, 1 John 2:19, 1 John 2:20

dureth: Matthew 10:22, Matthew 24:13, Job 27:8-10, Psalms 36:3, Hosea 6:4, Romans 2:7, Philippians 1:6, 1 Peter 1:5

for: Matthew 5:10-12, Matthew 10:37-39, Matthew 16:24-26, Mark 4:17, Mark 8:34-36, Mark 13:12, Mark 13:13, Luke 9:23-25, Luke 14:26-33, Luke 21:12-18, John 12:25, John 12:26, Galatians 6:12, 2 Timothy 4:10, Hebrews 10:35-39, Revelation 2:13

is: Matthew 13:57, Matthew 11:6, Matthew 24:9, Matthew 24:10, Matthew 26:31, Matthew 26:33, 2 Timothy 1:15

Reciprocal: Judges 7:3 - Whosoever Ruth 1:15 - gone back 2 Chronicles 11:17 - three years Job 8:19 - this is the joy Job 20:5 - the joy Job 27:10 - will he always Job 36:21 - this Psalms 119:165 - nothing shall offend them Ezekiel 3:20 - When Ezekiel 18:24 - when Ezekiel 36:26 - the stony Matthew 1:22 - that Matthew 5:30 - offend Matthew 25:8 - for Mark 4:16 - which Luke 8:6 - General Luke 14:27 - cannot John 2:23 - many John 5:35 - and ye John 6:66 - of his John 16:1 - General Galatians 5:7 - run Hebrews 6:5 - tasted Hebrews 10:38 - but Hebrews 11:25 - Choosing 1 John 2:10 - occasion of stumbling Revelation 7:16 - the sun

Gill's Notes on the Bible

Yet hath he not root in himself,.... Nor in Christ; the word is not rooted in him, nor has he the root of the matter, or the truth of grace in him:

but dureth for a while; a hearer of the word, a professor of religion, showing some outward respect to the word, and to the preachers of it:

for when tribulation or persecution ariseth, because of the word; which is often the case, and must be expected by those who embrace the Gospel, profess the name of Christ, and are willing to live godly in him. Tribulation may intend some lesser and lighter troubles for the sake of Christ, and his Gospel; such as the revilings and reproaches of men, loss of character, and trade, c. and persecution may design something more public and vehement such as confiscation of goods, imprisonment, and danger of life, the most exquisite tortures, and death in the most cruel form and shape; things very disagreeable to flesh and blood, and which cannot be endured, and submitted to, by persons without a principle of grace, by one that has no root in himself. Luke calls this a time "of temptation", or trial, as it is either way, both by private troubles, and more public persecutions: these try men's principles and professions, and whether the truth of grace is in them or not; and where it is not in any person,

by and by he is offended; at the cross; he shrinks back from it, does not care to take it up, and follow Christ; but drops his religion, and the profession of it; apostatises, falls away, and comes to nothing.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

See also Mark 4:13-20; Luke 8:11-15. “Hear ye, therefore, the parable of the sower.” That is, hear the “explanation” or the “spiritual meaning” of the narrative given before. Mark adds Mark 4:13, “Know ye not this parable? And how, then, shall ye know all parables?” By which it seems that the Saviour regarded this as one of the simplest and plainest of the parables, and gave an explanation of it that they might understand the general principles of interpreting others.

Matthew 13:19

When any one heareth ... - The seed represents the word of God communicated in any manner to the minds of people - by the Scriptures, by preaching, by acts of Providence, or by the direct influences of the Holy Spirit.

Then cometh the wicked one - That is, Satan Mark 4:15, or the devil Luke 8:12 - the one eminently “wicked,” the accuser, the tempter.

He is represented by the fowls that came and picked up the seed by the way-side. The gospel is preached to people hardened in sin. It makes no impression. It lies like seed on the “hard path;” it is easily taken away, and never suffered to take root.

Matthew 13:20, Matthew 13:21

But he that received the seed into stony places - Jesus explains this as denoting those who hear the gospel; who are caught with it as something new or pleasing; who profess to be greatly delighted with it, and who are full of zeal for it.

Yet they have no root in themselves. They are not true Christians. Their hearts are not changed. They have not seen their guilt and danger, and the true excellency of Christ. They are not “really” attached to the gospel; and when they are tried and persecution comes, they fall - as the rootless grain withers before the scorching rays of the noonday sun.

Anon - “Quickly,” or “readily.”

With joy receiveth it - They are under deep distress for sin; they are apprehensive of danger; they hear the offer of mercy, and they seem to themselves to embrace the gospel. It offers them peace, pardon, salvation, and religion assumes for a time a lovely aspect. They imagine that they are pardoned, and they have a temporary peace and joy. Their anxieties subside. Their fears are gone. They are for a time happy. “The mere subsiding of anxious feeling from any cause will make the mind for a time happy.” They have only to imagine, therefore, that their sins are forgiven, to produce a certain kind of peace and joy. But there is no ground of permanent joy, as there is in true pardon, and soon their joy subsides, and all evidence of piety disappears. There is no strength of principle to resist temptation; there is no real love of the Saviour; and in times of trial and persecution they show that they have no true religion, and fall away.

By and by - Mark, “Immediately.” That is, it soon occurs, or this is an effect which may be expected soon to follow.

Is offended - Stumbles or falls, for this is the meaning of the word “offend” in the New Testament. See the notes at Matthew 5:29. Persecution and trial are placed in his path, and he falls as he would over a “stumbling-block.” He has no strength of principle - no real confidence in God - no true religion. Mere excited animal feeling is all that he ever had, and that is not sufficient to sustain him when the trial comes.

Matthew 13:22

He also that received seed among the thorns - These represent the cares, the anxieties, and the deceitful lure of riches, or the way in which a desire to be rich deceives people.

They take the time and attention. They do not leave opportunity to examine the state of the soul. Besides, riches allure, and promise what they do not yield. They promise to make us happy; but, when gained, they do not do it. The soul is not satisfied. There is the same desire to possess more wealth. And to this there is no end “but death.” In doing it there is every temptation to be dishonest, to cheat, to take advantage of others, to oppress others, and to wring their hard earnings from the poor. Every evil passion is therefore cherished by the love of gain; and it is no wonder that the word is choked, and every good feeling destroyed, by this “execrable love of gold.” See the notes at 1 Timothy 6:7-11. How many, O how many, thus foolishly drown themselves in destruction and perdition! How many more might reach heaven, if it were not for this deep-seated love of that which fills the mind with care, deceives the soul, and finally leaves it naked, and guilty, and lost!

Matthew 13:23

Into good ground - Those whose hearts are prepared by grace to receive it honestly, and to give it full opportunity to grow.

In a rich and mellow soil - in a heart that submits itself to the full influence of truth, unchecked by cares and anxieties; under the showers and summer suns of divine grace; with the heart spread open, like a broad, luxuriant field, to the rays of the morning and to evening dews, the gospel takes deep root and grows; it has full room, and then and there only shows “what it is.”

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse Matthew 13:21. Yet hath he not root in himself — His soul is not deeply convinced of its guilt and depravity; the fallow ground is not properly ploughed up, nor the rock broken. When persecution, c., ariseth, which he did not expect, he is soon stumbled - seeks some pretext to abandon both the doctrine and followers of Christ. Having not felt his own sore, and the plague of his heart, he has not properly discovered that this salvation is the only remedy for his soul: thus he has no motive in his heart strong enough to counteract the outward scandal of the cross so he endureth only for the time in which there is no difficulty to encounter, no cross to bear.


 
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